What Janie Saw(102)

                Mitzy was already opening her purse, taking out a small calendar and writing in it. Before Rafe could say anything else, a few officers stopped by the table to talk shop. They all gave Janie the once-over, but apparently being with Rafe gave her hands-off status.

                Then someone blew a whistle and the evening officially commenced. The meet-and-greet segment of the evening was over. One last couple joined their table. The gentleman settled his wife and headed for the stage. Scorpion Ridge’s mayor, who looked quite a bit like his sister except for the glitter and lipstick, took the mic and welcomed everyone. After a short speech, he finished with a big thank-you to his sister for starting this honored tradition.

                Then Rafe took the stage.

                He didn’t do the “thanks” song and dance. He addressed his speech to the citizens of Laramie County, emphasizing the importance of building positive relationships—more than one cop glanced her way when Rafe said that—and upholding positive values. He managed to make what should have been a “same old, same old” speech not only interesting, but also humorous.

                His task done, the buffet line opened, and after a moment Janie was left alone with Mitzy as the whole table went to fill their plates.

                Janie’d fully intended to get her own plate filled, but Rafe just looked at her and shook his head. She was still stiff, yes, but she wasn’t helpless.

                “Oh, let him take care of you,” Mitzy said. “He’s the sheriff. Filling your plate is definitely a step in his building-a-positive-relationship theory.”

                “Is that why your husband is filling yours?” Janie asked.

                “No, he’s filling mine so I can find out all the gossip about you and then fill him in about it when we get home.”

                “No gossip about me,” Janie said. “I’m the boring Vincent sister.”

                Mitzy laughed. “That’s not what I heard. So, you’re the one who helped little Amanda Skinley draw a suspect, too?”

                Janie scanned the room for Rafe. Just how freely could she discuss the case?

                “My husband still knows everything that goes on in Adobe Hills when it comes to criminal activity,” Mitzy explained.

                After three or four futile searches for Rafe in the buffet line, Janie gave up her hope that he would rescue her and changed the subject from Brittney’s case to herself.

                Janie Vincent: the sister who hadn’t found her niche yet.

                She was interrupted, but not by Rafe.

                “Janie? I’m surprised to run into you here.”

                Nathan Williamson was dressed much like Rafe, right down to the spit-shined shoes and gold name tag. It was the first time Janie had seen him all dressed up. He was the same height as Rafe and had the same thick hair. But the similarity ended there. Nathan’s chin wasn’t nearly as strong and his eyes weren’t the same deep shade of brown-bordering-on-black.

                Mitzy grinned. “Nathan? I wasn’t aware you’d met Janie.” She reached over to pat Janie on the hand. “My, my, you do know all the single men.”

                Janie, rarely at a loss for words, could only stammer. “We’re...”

                “Working a case together,” Nathan finished.

                Mitzy didn’t look convinced.